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Lamine Yamal has expressed his delight at being back fit again after a frustrating period with a groin injury. The 18-year-old missed Barcelona's games against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe and Real Oviedo in recent weeks but his time on the sidelines appears to be over. The winger declared he is "back" on Instagram, potentially paving the way for him to return to Hansi Flick's side.

• Barcelona receive Yamal boost

  The Spain international has not featured for Barca since before the September international break but his team have fared well enough without him, registering four straight victories. But on Friday, the teenager posted an Instagram reel of some of his career highlights and wrote: "Hey, I'm back."

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  Flick criticises Spain over Yamal injury

  Yamal picked up the groin injury earlier this month, but still joined up with the Spanish national team. The youngster then aggravated that problem while playing for his country, prompting Barca boss Flick to accuse La Roja of not taking care of their young players.

  He said earlier this month: "Lamine goes to the national team with pain, didn't train, had painkillers to play, they were three goals ahead in every match, and he played 79 and 73 minutes. Between the matches, he didn't train. This is not taking care of players. Spain have the best team in the world, in every position they are unbelievably good. I am really sad about this [situation]."

  The former Bayern Munich manager also admitted the communication he has with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente could be better. 

  "I never really spoke with [De la Fuente]," he added. "Maybe my Spanish is not good, his English is not good, so this is a problem. Normally, the communication, because we have more players there than just Lamine, could be better. I was also on this side as a national team coach, so I know how hard this job sometimes is, but the communication with the clubs was always good."

• Spain boss dismisses Flick's Yamal concerns

  Despite having his groin complaint, Yamal played in Spain's World Cup qualifying wins against Bulgaria and Turkey earlier this month. Following those victories, De la Fuente said he neither remembered nor cared about Flick's complaints.

  He stated, "Right now, I don't remember what Flick said. Neither is it of any interest to me."

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  Will Yamal return for Barcelona straight away?

  With Yamal seemingly ready for selection, Flick will have to decide whether to give him some game time against Real Sociedad on Sunday in La Liga as they try to keep pace with top of the table Real Madrid, who are two points clear. The German coach may have an eye on their mouthwatering Champions League clash at home to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. It remains to be seen when Yamal will return.

Aston Villa have been limited by the Premier League’s ill-famed Profit and Sustainability rules this summer, but Unai Emery remains in charge and the club have spent wisely to ensure they have the tools to tackle the season ahead.

And while roadblocks have been swerved over the past few months, with the recent £40m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United an example of how the Midlands outfit have been hamstrung this term, one or two further additions may yet be made before the September 1st deadline.

That sale, poignant as it is, could lead to the signing of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Emery personally driving the potential deal. He’s full of untapped potential, but the Spanish tactician might just be the perfect man to lift him toward that high ceiling.

But it’s not just the frontline Emery is mulling over, with a deal in the works for a new defensive player too.

Aston Villa eyeing new defender

Aston Villa welcomed 19-year-old centre-back Yasin Ozcan to their fold this summer after a pre-contract agreement, but the former Kasimpasa star has headed straight out on loan to Anderlecht.

However, a right-sided and versatile player remains of interest to the Villans, with Emery interested in signing an up-and-comer skilled across defence and in a number six berth.

Indeed, according to Foot Mercato, Villa have been buoyed in their summer-long bid to sign teenager Jaydee Canvot after the Toulouse star rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia, and may be preparing a new offer for him in the final days of the window.

The £17m-rated youngster has already been the subject of one Aston Villa bid this summer, and it would appear Emery is persisting in his chase, and maybe that will pay off.

Why Villa want Jaydee Canvot

Canvot only broke into Toulouse’s senior set-up last season, starting 12 Ligue 1 matches in total, having featured for only five minutes across the opening 15 fixtures of the term.

Shifting between central defence and an anchoring midfield role, Canvot showed why there’s such excitement around him, assuredly completing 87% of his passes and also completing 70% of his dribbles, denoting control and purpose when carrying the ball forward.

His precision and adeptness in reading the game suggest he would be perfect for life in the Premier League, already framed at 6 foot 2 besides.

This versatile defensive style even suggests that Canvot could emulate his countryman Boubacar Kamara and play a similar role at Villa Park. Data-driven platform FBref has actually recorded Kamara to be one of Canvot’s most statistically similar players, ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for through balls and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

His passing and natural predilection for forward play further underscore his potential in Emery’s system, and that also substantiates the claim that he could be the next version of Kamara, who has been described by the boss in the past as being “very important” to the side’s build-up and link-up play.

However, the 25-year-old has suffered his share of injury problems since joining Aston Villa from Marseille in 2022, and so while Canvot would replicate him in jumping to England over the Channel and settling in Aston, Birmingham, he would also ease the worries around another setback to Kamara, providing a similar presence and absorbing the fruits of his more experienced peer’s teachings.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has noted that Canvot is “viewed as a [sic] top prospect,” and Villa would provide him with the perfect nurturing ground to grow into his skin and reach the level of first-team stars such as Kamara.

Manchester United and Chelsea both continued their unbeaten starts to the Women's Super League season as a stunning Anna Sandberg strike earned the Red Devils a well-deserved 1-1 draw against the champions, who dropped points for the first time this season. Wieke Kaptein scored an early opener for the Blues and both sides could have gone on to clinch victory in an entertaining encounter between the two early pace-setters.

Man United came into the game having never beaten Chelsea in the WSL, but had the better of much of the first half as they showed just why they have begun the new season unbeaten. Marc Skinner's Red Devils could have gone to the summit of the table with victory, and played like a team with a point to prove.

United striker Elisabeth Terland forced the game's first save early on, before Ella Toone freed Jess Park on the break but she could only clip the ball over. The early signs of encouragement were there, though, until Chelsea took the lead against the run of play in the ninth minute. It was a moment of undoubted quality. Catarina Macario back-heeled the ball into the onrushing Kaptein, who calmly passed the ball beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce and into the back of the net.

The home side would soon be level, though, and what a goal it was. Receiving a knock-down from Toone, left-back Sandberg hit the ball first time on the volley and saw her strike nestle perfectly into the corner of the net. It was a goal which even the champions could do nothing about.

United were the better side for much of the second period, Fridolina Rolfo seeing a deflected strike rebound off the top of the crossbar while Toone struck just over on a couple of occasions. If any side would win, it looked like the Red Devils – until a couple of nervy moments late on, where Keira Walsh forced a smart save while Dominique Jansen caused a nervy moment for her goalkeeper. One final cross by Blues substitute Alyssa Thompson sailed agonisingly out of play and the referee blew the final whistle after an enthralling encounter.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Progress with Unity Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):

  The Red Devils shot-stopper made several important saves, including one top-class stop from Wieke Kaptein in the first half which she had no right to make from point-blank range. Got down low to keep out Walsh, while sliding at the feet of Thompson to prevent the Blues striker getting in on goal after a defensive error.

  Jayde Riviere (6/10):

  Did her job admirably as Chelsea's forward line were frustrated. Her opposite number Aggie Beever-Jones ended her impressive five-game goalscoring streak, which is always a bonus for the full-back.

  Maya Le Tissier (8/10):

  The United captain made history by becoming the first WSL player to start 71 consecutive league matches for one club. She led by example as ever, marshalling the back line and making crucial blocks at either end of the 90. A brave double block almost created a goal for her side on the break early on, before Le Tissier put her body on the line in stoppage time to preserve the result.

  Dominique Jansen (6/10):

  Had a tough task dealing with the Chelsea front line and was largely solid until a short back-pass late on, with her goalkeeper needing to come out and save Jansen's blushes at the feet of Thompson. Also could have been tighter on Macario before her audacious back-heel for the Chelsea goal.

  Anna Sandberg (8/10):

  What a goal it was by the full-back to get her side level. Her very first goal for United, you would have never been able to tell as the 22-year-old volleyed home from long range.

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  Midfield

  Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

  Kept things ticking in midfield, while looking to play incisive passes to set United away on the attack. Did not allow the Blues to dominate in the middle of the park.

  Julia Zigiotti Olme (6/10):

  The Swede joined from Bayern Munich in the summer and looks at ease alongside her new team-mates. Did both sides of the game well against a tough Chelsea midfield.

  Ella Toone (8/10):

  The Lionesses hero showed her combination of industry and technical quality to drive United into attacking positions and create chances. She could have had a goal herself but could only shoot over the crossbar from a couple of presentable positions on the edge of the area. Also grabbed the assist for Sandberg's stunning strike.

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  Attack

  Jess Park (8/10):

  Park was a bright spark in attacking areas, looking to take the game to her full-back and get shots off on goal. Though she did not provide the finish necessary to get herself on the scoresheet, her enthusiasm was clear to see.

  Elisabeth Terland (6/10):

  The Norwegian striker had a shot saved early on but had a largely quiet evening. Replaced just before the hour mark.

  Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):

  The versatile former Barcelona ace was playing further forward down the left and caused the away defence her fair share of problems. She saw a deflected strike rebound off the bar while combining well with Toone to create opportunities.

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  Subs & Manager

  Melvine Malard (7/10):

  Brought on for Terland after an hour and posed a threat to the Chelsea defence, cutting in on one occasion to force a save from Hannah Hampton.

  Celine Bizet (N/A):

  Replaced Riviere for the final exchanges as United looked to make an attacking change and take the game to their visitors. Though this meant they had to withstand a final late siege at the other end.

  Rachel Williams (N/A):

  Showed enterprise when she came on late on, looking to drive forward and make things happen on the break.

  Marc Skinner (8/10):

  Set up his side not only to contain the champions, but to take the game to them. United were very well deserving of a point, and could have had all three on another day.

Jose Mourinho is open to the idea of taking over at Glasgow Rangers and is now on the lookout for his next managerial position after leaving Fenerbahce.

Mourinho departs Fenerbahce after Champions League exit

It has been confirmed that Mourinho has left Fenerbahce after 14 months in charge of the Turkish side. The iconic 62-year-old manager was sacked just six games into the 2025/26 season, with Fenerbahce failing to qualify for the Champions League after a qualifier defeat to Benfica.

A serial winner who has been in charge of huge European clubs in Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma during his career, it doesn’t appear as if Mourinho has any plans to retire just yet.

A move to Scotland has also been put to the ‘Special One’ in 2025, with Rangers going through more managerial struggles at this moment in time.

Mourinho actually faced Rangers in the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16, with interim Gers manager Barry Ferguson getting the better of the Portuguese boss over two legs.

Jose Mourinho open to managing Rangers

Talking earlier in the year, Mourinho was asked if the possibility of asked of working in Scotland for Celtic or Rangers would interest him.

He was happy at Fenerbahce at the time but did admit he would be open to a move in the future, calling Rangers a “big club” with a “big fan base”.

Rangers currently have Russell Martin in charge at Ibrox, however, he has had a woeful start to life in Glasgow, with speculation surrounding his future after 10 games in charge.

The Gers also went out of the Champions League at the same stage as Fenerbahce, with Martin’s side humiliated by Club Brugge in a 9-1 aggregate defeat.

Mourinho is now available, so Rangers’ new owners the 49ers Enterprises may have the chance to offer him a move, should they part ways with Martin sooner rather than later.

Harry Kane has been hailed as "inspirational" by Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus after becoming the fastest player in Europe’s top five leagues to score 100 goals for one club. Matthaus believes the England striker’s blossoming partnership with Serge Gnabry could see him topple Robert Lewandowski’s record this season as Kane continues his ruthless run.

• Kane milestone sparks praise

  The England captain Kane struck twice in Bayern’s 4-0 win over Werder Bremen to bring up his 100th league goal for the German giants. Remarkably, the English superstar reached the milestone in just 104 appearances, making him the fastest player across Europe’s top five leagues to do so. The landmark underlined Kane’s consistency since joining from Tottenham, with his form already pushing him into record-breaking territory.

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  'superlatives will run out' – Matthaus

  Matthaus believes Kane’s brilliance extends beyond goalscoring, pointing to his intelligence and ability to adapt within the team’s system. He pointed to his partnership with Gnabry, who is excelling in a new role this season, with the German netting three goals and providing two assists so far in the league.

  “Harry Kane has been talked about in Germany for two years. Ultimately, the superlatives eventually run out. He inspires people with his actions, but also with his intelligent style of play,” he in his latest column for .

  “Kane likes to drop back sometimes, instinctively, to do it at the right moment, but of course also in consultation with the coach." 

  What makes this approach so effective is the presence of Gnabry, whose natural tendency to push forward creates constant movement in Bayern’s attack. “He has Serge Gnabry behind him, who also goes forward. This naturally changes the situation for Kane, as the two can alternate. This also makes it much more difficult for the opponent to defend,” Matthaus added.

• Lewandowski record in sight

  Kane’s start to the Bundesliga season has inevitably reignited talk about whether he can threaten long-standing scoring records set by Bayern icons including former striker Lewa and legend Gerd Muller. The England captain has already struck 10 times in his first five league games of the campaign, matching the Polish striker’s blistering haul in the opening rounds of 2019-20, a season in which the Pole eventually racked up 34 goals.

  "Five games have been played, and he’s scored ten goals. I’m not making any predictions, as many factors come into play," Matthaus added. "But if things continue like this, he stays free of major injuries, and the team’s passion and desire remain, then I could imagine Robert Lewandowski’s and Gerd Müller’s records being broken.”

  Muller’s benchmark of 40 goals in 1971-72 stood for nearly half a century before Lewandowski finally broke it in 2020-21 to set a new record of 41. Kane, who came close with 36 goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign, has shown signs he could launch another assault on those legendary tallies.

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  Kane’s form pushing the Bavarians to new heights

  Kane admitted even he was astonished at the pace of his century. “Scoring my 100th Bayern Munich goal in just my 104th appearance for the club was crazy,” the striker said. With 15 goals already in all competitions this season, the 32-year-old is on course for another Golden Boot challenge. 

  Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga after five straight wins, and their focus now turns to the Champions League clash with Pafos in Cyprus. Kane will once again spearhead the attack, with Gnabry and Luis Diaz in support. If his current scoring rate holds, the England captain could etch his name even deeper into Bundesliga history, chasing down records once thought untouchable.

Chelsea look on course to agree to a dramatic late exit ahead of the Monday 7pm transfer deadline, thanks to super agent Ali Barat, who has brokered the transfer.

Enzo Maresca’s side, without a doubt, take this summer’s crown for most industrious selling club.

In total, Chelsea have raised around £310 million in player sales, having agreed the departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Renato Veiga, Alfie Gilchrist, Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku.

Madueke, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall and Nkunku’s departures have helped Chelsea to make room for new summer signings, which is crucial for the west Londoners to register their new recruits in Maresca’s Champions League squad, due to a complex agreement with UEFA.

Nkunku agreed to join AC Milan earlier this week for a fee of around £36 million (including add-ons), while Jackson was tipped to leave imminently this week by his own agent, Diomansy Kramara, in a public statement.

Now, the decision with hours to go looks like Nicolas Jackson will be a Bayern Munich player after days of back and forth.

Nicolas Jackson set to join Bayern Munich from Chelsea

The Senegalese is set to compete with one of Europe’s best strikers, Harry Kane, in a star-studded Bayern side who are favourites to clinch another Bundesliga title under former Man City captain Vincent Kompany.

On Saturday morning, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg broke the news that Jackson will join Bayern on loan for £13m – a record loan fee – with an option to buy for around £56 million in 2026. The deal was helped on by Barat, who worked as a mediator between the parties, with the representative helping Chelsea trim their squad whilst also securing a mammoth move for Jackson.

At one point, after the injury to Liam Delap, the Blues wanted Jackson to return to Stamford Bridge. Instead, they ended up recalling Marc Guiu from Sunderland and now look on course to give Jackson his wish with a move to Bayern, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 24-year-old bagged 13 goals and six assists in 37 appearances for Chelsea last season, including a strike in the Conference League final against Real Betis, but scored just once in the Premier League since the turn of 2025, with the Blues securing the biggest loan fee in football history for an out of form player.

Paul Scholes believes Ruben Amorim is "getting too much time" at Manchester United and has predicted another defeat for his former club in their crunch clash with Liverpool. With just 50 games in charge, Amorim has faced relentless scrutiny as United search for stability under his leadership. The Red Devils secured a 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break, temporarily lifting spirits, but Scholes insists the problems run deeper.

• Damning statistics for Amorim

  Under Amorim, United have managed just 19 victories from 50 matches, a win rate of 38 per cent. For a club of Old Trafford’s stature, that’s well below par. Expectations at United are sky-high, and patience is wearing thin among fans and pundits.

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  Scholes gives his verdict on Amorim

  In the latest episode of Debate, brought to you by , Scholes delivered a blistering verdict on Amorim’s struggling reign, claiming the Portuguese manager has been given far too much leeway despite a lack of consistent results.

  "I feel like with Ruben Amorim it’s got to the point where we don’t want to talk about sacking managers all the time and Manchester United do give managers enough time," he said.

  "He’ll never get booed by the fans and it wasn’t until that Brentford game [where they lost 3-1] where I thought, ‘He’s getting a little bit too much time’ and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before things come to an end."

• Defeat at Anfield inevitable?

  The Red Devils’ next challenge is a daunting trip to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool on October 19. Scholes fears the worst, suggesting Amorim must adopt a defensive mindset to even hope for a point.

  "Ruben Amorim needs to try and get something from Liverpool at Anfield. I’d be thinking about drawing the game and finding a way somehow to stop them from scoring," he said.

  "That’s a totally different mentality from Arsenal going to Liverpool, who are looking at winning the league. Manchester United are in such a rut, and I can’t remember the last time they won a big game, or a game that meant a lot. This group of players are in such a bad rut that you have no confidence in them that they’re going to get out of it. It’s almost predictable that they’ll go to Anfield and get beaten."

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  United still searching for successive wins

  The Liverpool clash is shaping up as a litmus test for Amorim. A positive result could breathe life into his faltering tenure, while another defeat would intensify calls for change. United haven’t won consecutive league games since May 2024, highlighting the ongoing struggle to build momentum. It is another damning statistic, but if Bruno Fernandes & Co can turn the tables in a crunch away fixture, it could well be a new dawn for the Red Devils.

Everton’s 2024/25 campaign has begun with more firepower than fans have been used to in recent years.

After seasons of scraping survival, the Toffees finally look to have rediscovered some swagger in the final third.

Their summer recruitment was targeted and bold, bringing in attacking reinforcements that have re-energised David Moyes’ side.

However, the season opener ended in disappointment with a narrow 1-0 defeat away at a hostile Elland Road against Leeds United.

But rather than spiral, Everton bounced back in style. They started life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton, showcasing a fluid front line.

A 3-2 away win at Molineux underlined their growing confidence, even if defensive gaps remain.

Draws against Aston Villa and a spirited Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool followed, leaving the Toffees in 10th place and comfortably clear of early relegation chatter.

The underlying metrics point to a promising attacking direction.

Everton have generated 7.1 expected goals (xG) so far, the seventh-most in the league – ahead of Liverpool, who sit on 7.0.

For a club that in recent years ranked near the bottom in attacking output, this marks a dramatic shift.

Much of that change has been inspired by a rejuvenated front four, headlined by Jack Grealish alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Beto.

Grealish at the heart of it all for Everton

Grealish’s arrival at Everton raised eyebrows in the summer.

Once a £100m man at Manchester City, his stock had fallen dramatically after two injury-hit seasons that restricted him to just 721 minutes of league action last term.

Now 30, with a market value hovering around €28m (£25m), as per Transfermarkt, Grealish was seen as a gamble – albeit one with huge upside potential. So far, he has delivered.

Across the opening five games, Grealish has registered four assists in 377 minutes of football, immediately placing himself at the core of Moyes’ side.

His ability to glide past defenders and draw fouls has given Everton a new dimension, one that unsettles even the most organised back lines.

For Grealish personally, this spell at Everton represents a crossroads.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has already made it clear that consistent minutes are essential if Grealish is to earn his way back into the international fold.

Left out of the most recent Three Lions squad, he must prove himself week in, week out.

If his body holds up, Everton may have found themselves a creative force capable of driving them towards a top-half finish, far removed from the relegation battles of recent memory.

As promising as Grealish’s revival is, however, Evertonians may be forgiven for wondering what might have been with Ademola Lookman.

How Lookman compares to Grealish

Signed from Charlton in 2017 as one of the most exciting English prospects, Lookman struggled for opportunities at Goodison Park.

He made just 48 appearances, scoring two goals, before being sold to RB Leipzig in 2019.

Since then, his trajectory has skyrocketed. Now 27 and valued at around €60m (£55m), Lookman has flourished at Atalanta in Serie A.

His defining moment came when he scored a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, ending Xabi Alonso’s hopes of an unbeaten treble.

That performance propelled him into global recognition, having even attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2024 as a nominee, a remarkable achievement for a player once deemed surplus to requirements on Merseyside.

Stylistically, Lookman has blossomed into a dynamic forward in the mould of Mohamed Salah or Alexander Isak.

His 2024/25 numbers highlight his evolution into an elite attacker: 20 goal involvements, 5.68 progressive carries per 90 and 5.41 shot-creating actions per 90 underline his ability to influence games at the very highest level.

The BBC’s John Bennett has gone as far as to describe him as “world-class” – praise unthinkable during his Everton days.

For Everton, Lookman is a painful reminder of their past failings in player development.

They once had a potential Ballon d’Or nominee in their ranks, but failed to provide the pathway or patience he required.

While Grealish offers present inspiration, Lookman embodies the “what if?” that continues to haunt supporters who dream of what could have been had the club harnessed his talent.

Silva sold "world-class" Everton star, now he's worth more than Grealish

Everton must rue letting this top star go, who is now worth more than new Toffees ace Jack Grealish.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 2, 2025

Mason Greenwood has been given a harsh reality check after putting in a four-goal performance for Marseille in their 6-2 mauling of Le Havre. The former Manchester United forward put in a talismanic display for his Ligue 1 employers, but has still been informed that he “can do more” by demanding coach Roberto De Zerbi – who has explained how Greenwood can “become one of the best players in the world”.

• Greenwood's goal record: Output for Marseille

  The 24-year-old has become an integral part of Marseille’s plans since moving to France in the summer of 2024. He claimed a share of the Ligue 1 Golden Boot alongside Paris Saint-Germain frontman Ousmane Dembele last season – netting 21 times in the French top-flight.

  He has found the target on seven occasions through 10 appearances in the current campaign, taking him to 29 efforts in total for Marseille from 46 games. Few arguments can be offered against his output, but De Zerbi still believes that there is more to come.

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• Matched Ballon d'Or winner: Greenwood versus Le Havre

  Greenwood emulated Ballon d’Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin against Le Havre, becoming the first player to net four times in a single league fixture for Marseille since their legendary former France international striker in 1991.

  It is being suggested that Greenwood can form part of the global elite if current standards are maintained. When that claim was put to De Zerbi, he told reporters: “It's true that Mason can do more, not just in terms of goals scored because in that area he doesn't need to do better. He's already a top player in front of goal, but he can become one of the best players in the world, because he has the ability.

  “He can improve in helping the team when it needs it, when it's necessary. But I want to protect Mason from criticism, he's always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement.”

• Greenwood told how to join global elite

  De Zerbi has previously said of Greenwood’s efforts to unlock full potential, with some tough love being passed in the winger’s direction at times: “All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I'm here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give it. And when I need to push him to give more, I have to do that too because that's my job.

  “I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Velodrome. There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered that way. And I'm trying to help him progress.”

  Greenwood has shown that he can match Dembele’s numbers on the goal front, with the PSG superstar savouring a historic Ballon d’Or triumph in 2025. He is considered to boast similar qualities to World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe, who is now a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid.

  De Zerbi has said of Greenwood rubbing shoulders with the best in the business: “If he wants to become a great player, he must run off the ball. I saw Mbappe, I saw Dembele pressing without the ball, and Greenwood has to do it too. He has worked on pressing, but not always. When he wants to, he does it, and he must understand that this effort is what separates the greats.”

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  Ligue 1 title bid & Jamaica switch: Greenwood's future

  Greenwood will be gracing the grandest of stages again on Wednesday when heading to Lisbon for a Champions League clash with Sporting. He has already faced Mbappe and Real at Santiago Bernabeu, while Marseille are now top of the Ligue 1 table – one point clear of dominant title holders PSG.

  It remains to be seen what his future holds at international level, with the one-cap England international yet to be drafted into the Jamaica fold by ex-Manchester United boss Steve McClaren despite receiving clearance that allows him to switch allegiance to the Reggae Boyz.

Micah Richards criticised two Manchester United players for the role they played against Brentford as the Red Devils were put to the sword once again at the Gtech Community Stadium by Brentford.

Brentford heap more misery on Amorim

Fresh from defeating Chelsea last weekend, Man United had the task of handing Ruben Amorim back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League almost nine months on from arriving. With 20 minutes on the clock, however, it was an all too familiar story for the Manchester club, as Igor Thiago struck not once but twice.

The opening goal saw Harry Maguire fall culrpit to a tight offside call, as Thiago took full advantage to sprint in behind and fire home a tremendous finish.

As for the second, the forward had a far simpler task after getting the best out of Matthijs de Ligt and then on the end of Altay Bayindir’s spilled save straight into his path. In 20 minutes, the Brentford star had his brace gift-wrapped.

Benjamin Sesko’s first Man United goal then gave the Red Devils plenty of hope when he slammed home at the third time of asking midway through the first period and a comeback certainly looked on the cards.

Alas, it almost summed up United’s afternoon, their season and arguably Amorim’s tenure when Bruno Fernandes missed his second penalty of the season to deny United their equaliser late in the second-half. The Portugal international, often so reliable, has fallen short of his standards so far this season.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s save put the writing on the wall for the Red Devils, who had their misery compilled by a stunning late strike from substitute Mathias Jensen to make it 3-1.

Richards slams "shambolic" Maguire & De Ligt

Among those critical of Man United following yet another defeat, former Man City defender Richards slammed Maguire and De Ligt as “shambolic” for their actions in Brentford’s two goals.

There will now be questions asked of Amorim’s position once again, but whether defeat at Brentford is INEOS’ final straw remains to be seen. There’s work to be done, that cannot be denied.

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Up next for United is the visit of Sunderland next Saturday. Defeat against newly-promoted opposition would be yet another low for Amorim, who simply has to change things if he is to turn his tenure around at Old Trafford.